NEW IN BECCA COSMETICS

Today, I'm sharing some new stuff from Becca Cosmetics that I've been testing for a few months.  Plus, some of the products are currently 50% off at Sephora. 

Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlight ($38):  I have the shade Prismatic Amethyst. This is the best daytime highlight shade. You can see the shift in tones below;  it's less pink, and has more of a lavender shift with golden undertones.  This is a a subtle highlight however, don't be afraid to pile this product on if you're looking for something more intense, because it layers well.  TFE Pro Tip: wet your brush or spray some Mac Fix +  to use this product as a brow bone highlight or an all-over lid eye shadow lid shade.

In the quick snaps below, I am wearing the under eye brightener and the highlight. I applied the highlight on my cheeks, tip of my nose and cupid's bow. It is a bit difficult to see but it swatches beautifully and is subtle.

Liquid Crystal Glow Gloss (on sale for $11): these glosses are beautiful and lightweight. They come in unique shades, that are not traditional - a good thing. They wear well over lipstick and will provide a pretty holo shift.

Under Eye Brightening Corrector ($32):You must give this a try but understand that it's not an actual under eye concealer. Of all the Becca products I've tested, this is my favorite one. It's an under eye brightener that breathes life back into tired eyes. I know a few brand new mama's that love this, too. It has a tacky feel upon first application, but once you blend it and set it, you won't feel it. I don't apply it directly under the eyes, but a bit lower on the face.

Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush ($34): this is a great product because it is pigmented (like crazy), applies smoothly but most of all, is long wearing. Blush is the first thing to go on me, but this wears well. Dip your brush but then shake off the excess before applying.  This shade below is Camellia.

That wraps up this post on the new Becca products that I have been trying out.  I am also testing out a new product photography method and love how the white background makes the products look.

Disclosure: all products in this post were provided to me by PR.

NEWA

One of the most inconvenient things about scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist in Miami is how far in advance you actually have to schedule it. When I call and try to get an appointment, I won't be given one until at least two and a half months down the road. I personally go to Dr. Boews Dermatology, who I like, but it's really difficult to get in with her (and the staff is rude). Annoying.

So, what if I were to tell you that you could get some of the derm office perks right at home? You'd be all-in, right? 

The Newa Skin Tightening Device is a handheld tool that uses radio frequency to to stimulate collagen production and give you a more youthful appearance. It basically pulses energy into your skin to plump fine lines, and gives you a glow in about five-six weeks. It's the only product like this on the market, that's also FDA approved.  It decreases wrinkles and tightens problem areas like jowls, chin and forehead. You feel a slight warming sensation and if you're fair, like me, you will have light redness that fades. 

Believe in Kindness

A fourteen year old Miami teen named Daniela Ludmir developed a beautiful idea. In a world where social media has the power to propel a concept to the point that it goes viral, why does Believe in Kindness not have more exposure?

Believe in Kindess stems from the desire to help, uplift and heal the spirit. This remarkable girl founded the organization to help spread kindness. Today, the foundation also assists underprivileged pediatric cancer patients.

The concept is driven by knitting kits. When you order your kit, you receive the items seen below: yarn, knitting needle, and puff paint. You knit a yellow circle, apply the puff paint and turn it into a a cheerful emoji (instructional video down below). The kit also contains a kindness note that you will fill out with encouraging words. Once finished, you will mail it back to the foundation. Upon receipt, your smiley face gets sewn onto a beanie and provides jobs to women in Peru who work to craft the beanies. The finished product is then given to sick kids. 

www.believeinkindness.org/tutorial

If you're a South Florida local interested in volunteering, you can contact the organization.  Be on the lookout for group classes (referred to as Knitting Stories within the organization) where you will be able to create the smiley faces in an assembly style setting.

To see a step-by-step tutorial on how to knit the smiley face, see the below YouTube video:

The concept is pure and simple at its core: spread love by your actions.  No matter how small the feat,  you can help someone heal and make a difference in their life. 

KRISTEN LEANNE X URBAN DECAY COLLECTION AND SWATCHES

The best days are the days when you arrive home after a long day at work and Urban Decay sends you their latest launch. The day gets even better when you realize that it's the a collab which features one of your fave beauty bloggers, Kristen Leanne.

The launch:

• Kaleidescope Dream Eyeshadow Palette; 
• Beauty Beam Highlight Palette; 
• Vice Lipsticks in shades Cloud9 (magenta), Bun Bun (nude) and Spellbound (plum); 
• Daydream Eyeshadow Palette; 
• Ulta Exclusives: Vice Liquid Lipstick Duo & a mustard single shadow.

The collection is vibrant, bright and bold, but also has something for the more subtle makeup lover. The Daydream palette is a matte shadow palette with great neutrals. The surprisingly perfect shade is 12/12, a coral sherbert that can be both a crease and lid shade. Eight is slightly patchy but once worked into the crease, blended after a bit. Lucy is an overall setting shade. Subscribe is my favorite blending shade.

The Kaleidescope palette is super pigmented. It contains a combination of matte, shimmers and two holographic shades (Leo & Brixton,) that completely transform the look of the shadows. The eyeshadows are very soft and creamy, with amazing color payoff.

The packaging is absolutely worth mentioning - making every aspect of this collection display-worthy. The pictures below speak for themselves. I hope you enjoy this post!  I'll be posting some looks with the collection in a separate post!

  

Keep reading for full swatches of the entire collection and take a look at the video I filmed, previewing the launch.  

Kristen Leanne x Urban Decay Kaleidescope Eyeshadow Palette

DC STYLE: FASHION DIARY

I snapped some outfit shots of what I wore during our recent trip to DC. All product details linked below. Stay warm!!

Botkier Cobble Hill Crossbody: a beautiful vibrant yellow. The bag has interchangeable sporty straps that come with it, as well as replacement pulls. Zippered inner compartment and storage flaps. Magnetic snap flap. Really cute and pulls any look together. Get it here in a beautiful coral color.

Poncho via Poshmark - the seller is Tres Chic Chica. Poncho still available. Can't beat the price. It's very warm and soft, too. Loved this piece.

Purple snow hat: via ASOS. It's SUPER soft (chenille), but to be honest, it was not that durable as the loops kept undoing and coming out. Try this chic headband, instead or this beanie. 

Asos Analise Leather Chelsea Boots. SAVED my trip. These were very comfortable. They are perfect for traveling, when you're walking a lot. They have a rugged heel and keep your feet snug and warm. Love the deep burgundy color, too. Highly recommend. 

Let's take a second to talk about my white, wool coat by Mackage. It's the most beautiful winter piece I own. Worth every cent. Heavy, and incredibly warm and stylish. Their winter-wear is gorgeous. Check out this one, as well as this one.

MissGuided Faux Suede Biker jacket, in multiple colors. Softest and most chic. Ridiculous sale price. Check, check, check!

Asos New Look studded booties. Can't beat these. Gold studs and a beautiful raspberry color.

Ann Taylor Faux Fur Collar. I love this because of its versatility. It's also reversible and has a beautiful brocade pattern on the flip side. This one from Banana is navy blue, and on sale for $20!

Also wearing this sweater dress (great layering piece), and these tights.
More outfits after the link!